BREAKING: Martin McGuinness dies aged 66

The death has been announced of Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness, former deputy first minister in Northern Ireland and former IRA commander.

The Irish republican died early this morning in Derry’s Altnagelvin Hospital surrounded by his family.

Mr McGuinness announced in January this year that he was retiring from politics due to ill health.

It was confirmed that he had been receiving treatment for Amyloidosis, a rare genetic disease.

Mr McGuinness’ late mother was from Donegal and he spent much of his time in Buncrana.

The politician, who was once the IRA chief of staff, went on to play a key role in the peace process in Northern Ireland.

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has led the tributes for McGuinness, posting a Luke Kelly song and writing this morning: “A song for Martin McGuinness. I measc Laochra na n-Gael go raibh a anam dílis”.